Simon Calder issues travel warning to anyone flying out of UK right now
Simon Calder appeared on GB News on Monday where he issued an urgent travel warning for holidaymakers who have set their sights on sunnier and even hotter climates. The travel expert explained that even booking your next holiday online is simply "an act of faith" and some tourists could lose thousands of pounds.
Holidaymakers are currently being targeted by online scams where they use social media to advertise fake holiday deals during peak travel season. Simon said: "Any travel purchase is an act of faith. You pay hundreds or thousands of pounds upfront but you only actually take delivery when you turn up at the airport and hope that your trip is going ahead."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
He explained the online travel marketplace has allowed scammers to "run riot" and claimed it's the Wild West for unsuspecting tourists.
Simon went on: "When you're short of cash and you get an apparent bargain. A Mediterranean holiday or a flight to Los Angeles at a far lower price than you see elsewhere, well that could be somebody about to steal your hard earned dream as well as your money."
He urged the public to contact trusted travel agents rather than just booking online.
GB News presenter, Ellie quizzed: "Simon, what would your advice to people who choose to book online? What are the ways people can protect themselves from fraud?"
He advised to simply pay for the trip with a credit card as it is easier to get your money back from a bank provider.
But he warned against another form of payment - avoid bank transfers.
"Be very afraid," Simon remarked. "There are some circumstances when they are an appropriate thing to do, but otherwise, it can be just like handing someone you've never met before a big bag of cash."
He concluded: "Once you've told your bank make a transfer of your money then that's the last you've seen of it."